The Lightship Café, which is run by 30 volunteers from Thurrock, opened in Grays Beach café and will be open every Saturday through until March.

Previously, the beach café had only been open during the week in the winter months, but the Lightship project means a full café service can be offered on Saturdays.

The project started in 2011 but a fire in the café at the end of 2012 meant the project was suspended in 2013.

Project Team Leader Beverley Hoyte said: "The vision for the project includes not just serving food, but also encouraging involvement, learning new skills, creating a sense of purpose, and promoting a healthy lifestyle."

The café serves full English breakfast, a “light bites” lunchtime menu, consisting of jacket potatoes, paninis, a range of sandwiches and soup along with a delicious afternoon menu of cream teas and a selection of cakes.